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Thompson Chicago Spirits-Paul Kahan

Influencers

If the way to a person’s heart is truly through the stomach, Creative Spirit Paul Kahan must be the most loved man in Chicago. Chef Kahan boasts an impressive resume of accolades: He was named one of Chicago Magazine’s “Most Powerful Chicagoans” in 2012, won two consecutive James Beard Awards for “Best Chef” in 2013 and “Who’s Who of Food & Beverage in America” in 2014, and received ringing endorsements from influential diners including Mayor Rahm Emanuel and the Obamas. As the executive chef and partner of One Off Hospitality group, Paul is the mastermind behind Thompson Chicago’s own Nico Osteria, a component certainly influential in earning the hotel a spot on Conde Nast Traveler’s “Best New Food Hotels for 2014” list. Situated just off Thompson Chicago’s lobby, Nico Osteria is an authentic Italian seafood restaurant that brings rustic simplicity to Chicago dining.

As part of the Thompson family, who better to dish on the city’s culinary community than Mr. Kahan?

When we asked Paul about his quintessential Chicago meal, he replied simply, “that’s virtually impossible to answer.” So, we played a game of rapid fire and grilled Paul on the best places to wine, dine, and everything in between.

Thompson Chicago: What is an exclusive Chicago dessert you can’t miss?